Album Notes

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Committee
has placed Mike Smiarowski on the
Official Ballot for the 2007 Grammy Awards
in the following categories:

Category 1 - Record of the Year
Mike Smiarowski - Carnival of Delight
Award goes to Artist, Producer, Recording Engineer, and Mixer:
Mike Smiarowski and Chas Eller
Ballot Entry # 522

Category 2 - Album of the Year
Mike Smiarowski - Island Fantasy Part II: Return to Jabeam
Award goes to Artist, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mixer,
and Mastering Engineer: Mike Smiarowski and Chas Eller
Ballot Entry # 448

Category 4 - Best New Artist
Mike Smiarowski
Award goes to Artist: Mike Smiarowski
Ballot Entry # 266

Category 9 - Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Mike Smiarowski - Maj-Noon Land
Award goes to Artist: Mike Smiarowski
Ballot Entry # 073

Category 10 - Best Pop Instrumental Album
Mike Smiarowski - Island Fantasy Part II: Return to Jabeam
Award goes to Artist: Mike Smiarowski
Ballot Entry # 067

Category 47 - Best Jazz Instumental Solo
Mike Smiarowski - Swayin' 'neath the Palms
Award goes to Soloist: Mike Smiarowski
Ballot Entry # 223



This instrumental record follows on the heels of his highly successful first release: ISLAND FANTASY and critically acclaimed FUSION.

Mike's imaginary "Isle of Jabeam" is the perfect setting to highlight his guitar mastery! Playing electric, classical, and acoustic guitars, Mike weaves a warm tropical tale of getting away from the hustle-bustle of cold city life. Like a great storyteller, each moment of this album is full of surprise and wonderment.

The songs are rich, diverse and timeless. Many evoke decades of Jazz history, yet seem totally fresh. The cuts are upbeat and intriguing, relaxing and romantic - while others - haunting.

As a guitar player, Smiarowski can be compared to many of the best. One can hear many influences, most notably George Benson and Wes Montgomery... but Mike's versatile style has his OWN distinctive guitar "voice".

Chas Eller (of Kilimanjaro fame), co-produced this album with Mike. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Eller's studio in Vermont. The emotional outpouring of Mike's playing stands in stark contrast to so many of today's sterile sounds.

The most remarkable thing about "Return to Jabeam" is that it is eminently playable. You could feel comfortable playing this entire album to a diverse crowd and find many feet tapping to it's infectious beat!

Another message from Mike: Return with me to the magical, mythical "Isle of Jabeam", where my Island Fantasy becomes reality. My second musical tour through sensuous tropical splendor is guaranteed to take you away! - Mike